Holidays: Thanksgiving resources

The Thanksgiving Story

Modern U.S. Thanksgiving traditions

History Channel mini-site: Thanksgiving

Fun Facts: look for statistics about Thanksgiving, including superlatives (most, largest, first) and questions with “How…?”

The First Thanksgiving

History of Thanksgiving (video)

Holiday: Hallowe’en history

The History Channel website has a number of resources about this holiday, celebrated October 31:

To read:

• Ancient origins
• Halloween Comes to America
• Today’s Traditions
• Superstitions
• History of the Jack o’Lantern

To watch:

History of the Holidays: Halloween and Great and Telling Tales: Halloween

Holiday: Easter resources

This Sunday, many Americans will be celebrating Easter. If you are unfamiliar with this holiday and how it is celebrated in the United States, here are some resources to look at:

Video: The History of Easter

Video: Dyeing Easter eggs

The Traditions of Easter – an article about the history and traditions of the holiday

Whyeaster.com’s articles about Easter Sunday, Eggs & Chicks, Bunnies, Rabbits and Lambs, Easter Foods and Easter Flowers

Worldwide Easter celebrations

Comprehension questions:

• What are some Christian religious traditions and symbols of Easter?
• What are some modern cultural (non-religious) traditions and symbols of Easter?
• Which modern Easter traditions and symbols came from pagan (non-Christian) beginnings?
• Name some foods people  traditionally eat for the Easter holiday.

Holiday: St. Patrick’s Day resources

You may have noticed that we have a holiday coming up: St. Patrick’s Day. This is a traditional festival or celebration, but not a holiday from work or school. Here are some resources if you would like to learn more about the holiday and its traditions.

History.com’s St. Patrick’s Day mini-site – includes links to the articles “Who Was St. Patrick?” and “History of the Holiday.”

Video: The History of St. Patrick’s Day

The St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Ireland – includes a nice video showing Ireland and the parade there.

The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade – in Hot Springs!

Comprehension questions:

• What country and culture does St. Patrick’s day celebrate?
• When did St. Patrick live? What is he famous for?
• On which date is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated? Why was this date chosen?
• Name a modern St. Patrick’s Day tradition related to…

1. – Clothing
2. – Drink
3. – A plant
4. – Public celebrations